China's envoy to the UAE has said the Emirates has a key role to play as his country looks to increase its presence in the region.
Zhang Yiming, the Chinese ambassador to the UAE, said President Sheikh Mohamed’s recent state visit to China ushered in new avenues of co-operation with the Arab world.
Sheikh Mohamed met China’s President Xi Jinping in Beijing last month to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Mr Yiming, who was part of the meetings in Beijing, spoke of a new starting point for China-UAE relations that would be the foundation for stronger ties with the wider Arab world.
China-UAE relations will be at the forefront of China's relations with Arab countries
Zhang Yiming,
China's ambassador to the UAE
“The UAE has a special and important influence in the Arab world and is a regional security oasis and development highland,” Mr Yiming told The National in an interview.
“As a witness of the meetings, I am very inspired and confident about the future of China-UAE relations.
“China-UAE bilateral co-operation is an important part of China-Arab collective co-operation. The two complement each other.”
He said China would work with the UAE to deepen co-operation in the region.
40th anniversary of relations between nations
The 40th year of friendship is being celebrated by both China and the UAE.
“China-UAE relations are comprehensive and in-depth, since the establishment of diplomatic relations 40 years ago,” Mr Yiming said.
“The bilateral relations have made great progress and will be at the forefront of China's relations with the Arab countries.”
The UAE is China’s largest trading partner in the Arab world with trade and investment across energy, logistics, tourism, technology, petrochemicals and space.
China is the UAE’s top trading partner with non-oil bilateral trade worth Dh264.2 billion ($72billion) in 2022.
The UAE is also the major destination for Chinese investment in the Arab world, with investment into the Emirates crossing $1.7 billion last year, accounting for 60 per cent of China’s total investment in the region.
UAE investment in China increased by 120 per cent last year – making up 90 per cent of Arab nations’ investment in China, according to official figures.
Mr Yiming said Sheikh Mohamed’s first state visit to China as the head of the UAE was a significant milestone in bilateral ties and marked “a journey of continuing friendship, deepening co-operation and opening up the future”.
“During the visit, President Xi Jinping met with President [Sheikh] Mohamed many times, comprehensively reviewing and summarising the glorious development history and valuable experience of China-UAE relations over the past 40 years,” he said.
“They looked forward to the bright vision of the next golden 40 years and discussed promoting the comprehensive development of China-UAE relations from a new starting point.”
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Arab States Co-operation Forum.
The ambassador said Mr Xi outlined his vision during an address before the forum where he laid out “a grand blueprint for China-Arab collective co-operation in the new era and injecting strong impetus into accelerating the construction of a closer China-Arab community with a shared future”.
Sheikh Mohamed, along with Mr Xi and the heads of state of Bahrain, Egypt and Tunisia spoke at the opening ceremony of the conference last month in Beijing.
Relations between the UAE and China pre-date the establishment of official diplomatic ties in 1984, with Beijing recognising the formation of the Emirates in 1971.
UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan visited China in 1990.
President Xi visited the UAE in 2018 after which the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was declared.
The UAE is also a strategic partner in China’s Belt and Road initiative and will serve as a key gateway to the Middle East region.
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Nick's journey in numbers
Countries so far: 85
Flights: 149
Steps: 3.78 million
Calories: 220,000
Floors climbed: 2,000
Donations: GPB37,300
Prostate checks: 5
Blisters: 15
Bumps on the head: 2
Dog bites: 1
Profile
Company: Justmop.com
Date started: December 2015
Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan
Sector: Technology and home services
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month
Funding: The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups.
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
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Pad Man
Dir: R Balki
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte
Three-and-a-half stars
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Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
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Muguruza's singles career in stats
WTA titles 3
Prize money US$11,128,219 (Dh40,873,133.82)
Wins / losses 293 / 149
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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Name: Brendalle Belaza
From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines
Arrived in the UAE: 2007
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus
Favourite photography style: Street photography
Favourite book: Harry Potter
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Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Company name: baraka
Started: July 2020
Founders: Feras Jalbout and Kunal Taneja
Based: Dubai and Bahrain
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: $150,000
Current staff: 12
Stage: Pre-seed capital raising of $1 million
Investors: Class 5 Global, FJ Labs, IMO Ventures, The Community Fund, VentureSouq, Fox Ventures, Dr Abdulla Elyas (private investment)
